Mastering English Connectors: Addition & Contrast

English Connectors: Linking Ideas for Clarity

1. Connectors of Addition

• "Also"

  Used before a main verb or after the verb "to be."

  • Peter is an experienced firefighter. He also loves his job.
  • He is also very intelligent.

• "Too" / "As Well"

  Used at the end of a sentence.

  • Peter is an experienced firefighter. He loves his job too.
  • He loves his job as well.

• "As Well As"

  Used before a noun or a gerund (-ing form).

  • Our city has two sports stadiums as well as a huge library.

• Formal Addition Connectors (Sentence Starters)

  These are typically followed by a comma and introduce a new sentence or clause.

  • What's more, Peter is an experienced firefighter. Moreover, he loves his job.
  • Besides, Peter is an experienced firefighter. Furthermore, he loves his job.
  • In addition, Peter is an experienced firefighter. He loves his job.

2. Connectors of Contrast

• Formal Contrast Connectors (Sentence Starters)

  These are typically followed by a comma and introduce a new sentence or clause.

  • I am short on time to own a dog. Nevertheless, I support an animal welfare association.
  • I am short on time to own a dog. However, I support an animal welfare association.
  • I am short on time to own a dog. Nonetheless, I support an animal welfare association.

• "Although" / "Even Though"

  Used with a subject and a verb (a clause).

  • Although it was raining, we decided to play tennis.
  • Even though it was raining, we decided to play tennis.

• "In Spite Of" / "Despite"

  Used with a noun, a gerund (-ing form), or "the fact that" + clause.

  • In spite of the rain, we decided to play tennis.
  • Despite the rain, we decided to play tennis.
  • In spite of raining, we decided to play tennis.
  • Despite raining, we decided to play tennis.
  • Despite the fact that it was raining, we decided to play tennis.

• "On the One Hand" / "On the Other Hand"

  Used to present two contrasting points of view.

  • On the one hand, smokers should have the right to smoke if they want to. On the other hand, non-smokers should have the right to breathe smoke-free air.

• "While" / "Whereas"

  Used to compare and contrast two facts or ideas, often within the same sentence.

  • English spelling is difficult while German spelling is easy.
  • English spelling is difficult whereas German spelling is easy.

3. Oral Activity: Compare Physical Activities

Compare the following physical activities using connectors of addition and contrast: